Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Slow-moving relationship drama with little at stake.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
5 Flights Up
What's the Story?
Ruth (Diane Keaton) and Alex (Morgan Freeman) have been living in the same Brooklyn walk-up apartment for four decades, but now they're looking to move. The many stairs are tougher to navigate, and their neighborhood has become desirable, meaning they could sell for more than they'd ever expected. Over the course of several days, they endure a stream of potential buyers evaluating the apartment, while searching for a new space to call home. It's a stress-inducing exercise that forces the long-term couple to address some important issues in their marriage.
Is It Any Good?
Not much happens in 5 FLIGHTS UP, and there's little resolution. The movie shows a long-married couple during a time of great change; moving is the kind of big experience that taxes any relationship, even a kind and loving connection like Ruth and Alex's. They fight, but they do so with love. Freeman and Keaton have a great rapport, bringing to life the kind of happy people that you'd want to hang out with. Their bond is the best part of the movie.
The rest of the film disappoints. Cynthia Nixon's pushy real-estate agent, though improved by the talented actress, feels like a stock character, as do the the stream of lookie-loos who stop by to check out the apartment. (The real estate "issues" seem manufactured at best, and inaccurate at worst.) The bigger issue is that there seems to be little at stake here. The movie never makes it really clear why Alex and Ruth want to sell their home -- besides being on a high floor, that is -- so when they start to have second thoughts, we wonder why they were doing it in the first place. In the end, the movie just shows a few days in the life of a couple we don't mind spending time with but don't truly get to know, either.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Ruth and Alex's marriage. What makes them a strong couple? How do they compare to other couples you've seen in movies and TV shows?
How do Ruth and Alex resolve their conflicts? Have you tried to do the same in similar circumstances?
What role does the hunt for the suspected terrorist play in the story? Does that add edge to the movie's content?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 8, 2015
- On DVD or streaming : July 7, 2015
- Cast : Morgan Freeman , Diane Keaton , Cynthia Nixon
- Director : Richard Loncraine
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Queer Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Focus Features
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language and some nude images
- Last updated : September 20, 2019
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